Goa Tourism Tweet Calling Marathas 'Invaders' Deleted After Backlash, Department Apologises

The tourism department later clarified in a tweet that the word “invader was meant to be used for the Dutch.

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In a historical fiasco, the Goa Tourism Department on Saturday had to issue an apology for referring to Marathas as ‘invaders' in one of its promotional tweets about Fort Aguada in the state.

The tourism department later clarified in a tweet that the word “invader was meant to be used for the Dutch. It was intended to be read stronghold against Dutch invaders and Maratha rulers instead of the erroneous reference.

"In our post about Aguada fort, the word “invader" was meant to be used for the Dutch. It was intended to be read "stronghold against Dutch invaders and Maratha rulers" instead of the erroneous reference. We regret the error and apologise," said the tweet from the official account of Goa Tourism clarifying its stand.

What was the controversial post?

While sharing the historical background of the 17th-century fort, an Archaeological Survey of India protected monument, Goa Tourism had said “The Aguada Jail is part of the beautiful Fort Aguada which was built in the year 1612. This fort which once defended Portuguese stronghold against the Dutch and Maratha invaders is divided into two parts- The upper and the lower fort."

The tweet was fast to go viral attraction backlash from netizens followed by which the department issued an apology through the microblogging platform Twitter.

Other than netizens, leaders from opposition parties also registered their displeasure over the tweet demanding to delete the tweet and asking for an apology.

Congress leaders, including Digambar Kamat and Girish Chodankar, criticised the BJP-led state government. In a tweet, Kamat said, “@TourismGoa clarification makes propaganda of Salazars Portuguese Regime. Is this the MODIfied History @BJP4India now writing @goacm?"

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Chodankar also strongly condemned the act of the government that had insulted “brave Maratha warriors".